Indulge Your Sweet Tooth: Homemade Payday Candy Bars
Prepare to satisfy your sweet cravings with our Homemade Payday Candy Bars recipe. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate the irresistible flavor of this classic candy bar in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of the salty-sweet combination or simply looking for a delicious treat to enjoy, these homemade Payday bars are sure to become a favorite. Join us as we dive into the world of homemade candy-making and create a delightful confection that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in all to yourself.
Ingredients:
- 1.3 cups salted peanuts
- 2.2 cups peanut butter chips
- 3.2 cups mini marshmallows
- 4.1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 5.3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6.½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray.
- Melt Butter and Peanut Butter Chips: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the peanut butter chips to the saucepan and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the saucepan with the melted peanut butter chips and stir until well combined.
- Incorporate Marshmallows and Peanuts: Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the mini marshmallows and salted peanuts until evenly distributed.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the mixture.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the candy bars are set and firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, lift the candy bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into individual bars or squares using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Payday candy bars!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the chilled candy bars before slicing.
- Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pecans for a unique twist on the classic Payday candy bar.
- Coconut Addition: Add shredded coconut to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, you can modify this recipe to suit your dietary preferences.
- Low-Carb Sweetened Condensed Milk: Look for low-carb or keto-friendly sweetened condensed milk options at your local grocery store, or make your own using heavy cream and a sugar substitute.
- Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Chips: Use sugar-free peanut butter chips or substitute with chopped unsweetened baking chocolate for a lower-carb alternative.
- Adjust Nut Content: Be mindful of the carb content in peanuts and adjust the quantity used in the recipe to fit your dietary goals. You can also use a mix of lower-carb nuts such as almonds or macadamia nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of peanuts?
- Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter can be used as a substitute for salted peanuts to add texture to the candy bars.
- How should I store homemade Payday candy bars?
- Store the candy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
- Can I make these candy bars ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the candy bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They may need to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before slicing.
- Can I customize the sweetness of the candy bars?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk or add a sugar substitute to suit your taste preferences.
In conclusion, Homemade Payday Candy Bars are a delightful treat that’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a satisfying snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up or as a special treat for dessert, these homemade candy bars are sure to bring joy to your taste buds. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the homemade goodness of Payday candy bars.
